Intravascular ultrasound angioplasty in peripheral arterial occlusion: Preliminary experience

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if ultrasound angioplasty in a percutaneous approach was capable of recanalizing occluded arteries in acute and subacute peripheral arterial occlusions.

Material and Methods: We applied an ultrasound angioplasty device in a percutaneous approach in 9 patients with peripheral arterial occlusions. All patients suffered from severe leg ischemia due to subacute thrombotic occlusions.

Results: The ultrasound transmitter easily created a channel within the occlusive material. To further reduce the mass of the occlusive material, an aspiration thrombectomy was performed in all cases, leading to a complete recanalization in 7 cases. In 2 cases, a remaining stenosis was successfully dilated.

Conclusion: Intravascular ultrasonic devices can be useful for recanalization of occluded peripheral arteries. In particular, if thrombolytic therapy of longer peripheral arterial occlusions fails or is contraindicated, ultrasound angioplasty may be a new approach for recanalization.